What substrates comprise the neurophysiology of human host responses to a particular pathogen?  

In human models we aim to dissect the host response that recursively control neuroinflammation, pain, behavior and cognition.

Our goal is to uncover basic science mechanisms (biology based) using novel tools (Neuro-biosensors compiled with molecular signatures) that may recursively titrate novel interventions (Neurotechnologies).

Human Translation Core:  We employ controlled human neuroinflammation and stress challenges while acquiring high precision deep phenotyping (i.e., neurophysiology, proteomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, sleep physiology, psychiatric and cognitive testing). 

Challenges can include: Intravenous Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Injection, attenuated vaccine challenge, live virus challenge, sleep deprivaion, cold water exposure, heat stimuli, and deep breathing exercises.  

Core Neural and Physiological Monitoring Includes: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Magnetoencephalography (MEG), Magnetoneurography (MNG), Electroencephalography (EEG), Electrogastrography (EGG) and high temporal resolution physiological/autonomic monitoring 

Core Biological Marker Monitoring Includes: Prior to during and after human challenges we sample cerebrospinal fluid, peripheral blood and or saliva for biomarkers that include micro-RNA (miRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), proteins and metabolites.

Collectively, we aim to identify molecular and neurophysiological bioindicators to refine our understanding of the variability in autonomic nervous system infectious/inflammatory response gradients. Improved understanding of human autonomic infectious and inflammatory response gradients will improve human biosecurity preparedness.